Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

Description/Keywords:

cleaner; carpet cleaner; upholstery cleaner.

The work

You could be:

• checking what kind of cleaning is needed
• giving a written estimate of cost
• using industrial cleaning machines, such as steam heat or hot water cleaners
• choosing a cleaning fluid and a hose attachment suitable to the type of fabric you are treating
• filling the tank of the machine with water and adding the cleaning fluid
• spraying the solution on to the material and vacuuming up the dirt and water
• using chemical dry-cleaning processes
• applying special treatments after cleaning, such as stain repellents, flame retardants and anti-static chemicals
• doing specialist cleaning after flood or fire damage.

Conditions

• You travel to each client’s premises.
• You carry the heavy equipment into the premises and move furniture around.
• You spend most of the time on your feet and will bend, stretch and kneel.
• You work regular hours, but might have to work mainly in the evenings or weekends while the buildings are not in use.
• Part time work is common.
• You wear protective overalls and perhaps a mask and gloves.
• Your income may depend on commission and therefore vary widely according to the number of contracts you get.

Getting in

• A good general education is useful.
• You should be fit with no allergies to dust or chemicals.
• You usually need a driving licence as you have to take the equipment to different premises.
• Jobs are mainly with private cleaning companies.

What does it take

You should be:

• honest
• reliable
• practical
• aware of health and safety procedures
• able to follow instructions
• able to work alone or in a team
• physically fit and energetic.

You should have:

• a careful, methodical approach
• a basic understanding of cleaning chemicals
• number skills to work out prices
• good communication skills and a pleasant manner.

Training

• Training is usually on the job.
• The National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA) runs 2-day basic training courses in carpet and upholstery cleaning. They also run courses in spot and stain treatment and removal, leather and hard floor cleaning.
• Some firms who sell cleaning machines and carpet shampoos run short courses in their use.
• You could also work towards a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Level 2 (SCQF Level 5) Cleaning and Support Services.

Addresses

National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA)
62c London Road Oadby Leicestershire LE2 5DH
Tel: 0116 2719550
Email: admin@ncca.co.uk
Website: http://www.ncca.co.uk/

Cleaning and Support Services Association (CSSA)
478-480 Salisbury House London Wall London EC2M 5QQ
Tel: 020 7920 9632
Website: http://www.cleaningindustry.org

British Institute of Cleaning Science
9 Premier Court Boarden Close Moulton Park Northampton NN3 6LF
Tel: 01604 678710
Email: info@bics.org.uk
Website: http://www.bics.org.uk